Original question: May 21, 2013

Bruce Pomerantz (MN)

Libraries count the number of online databases available to the public, splitting them up by funding source, local/cooperative and State.

The instructions for e-books, downloadable audios and downloadable videos state to report the number of items the library has selected as part of the collection If a cooperative purchases Overdrive and allots a certain number to each member library, that to me is a selection. However, wouldn’t you know it but one cooperative did not provide its members the necessary numbers because we do not have similar language like we have with databases.

As far as I’m concerned, it’s always what’s available to a library’s users at the library or library website, not who funds gets exclusive counting privileges. Do you think we need to put in similar funding source divisions as we do with databases?

Also, I know for 2013, several consortiums have licensed Zinio for its members. I have been chastised locally for thinking of Zinio as a database.

(A) Does the same general rule apply: In counting periodical subscriptions, count what’s available at the library or from its website.

(B) Do we need to distinguish between print and e-periodical subscriptions?

(C) Does the number of periodicals available translate into a periodical subscription even if no one from a library downloads even one issue of a specific periodical?

(D) Do we count these downloads as circulation? 

My vote: Yes to all four.

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SDC Comments:

Laura Stone (AZ)

Bruce - Yes, I agree all the way around.

Especially C. If the library buys a book, and no one checks it out, it still fell in the forest.

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Scott Dermont (IA)

Yes, I agree with Laura. Circulation should not be used to determine an item’s inclusion in the collection. If it doesn’t check out, that is bad collection development, but should still be counted.